Indigenous Business Month (IBM) commences today and there’s a month to celebrate the excellence of Indigenous Business as the community-led movement marks 10 years.

We know that 10 years is but a row of colour within a larger, continuing tapestry of doing business in this Country. This year’s theme for Indigenous Business Month is: Making our Mark. 10 years of Indigenous Business Month is a marked milestone for First Nations businesses and their allies to reflect, rejuvenate and celebrate our ways of doing business in modern times.

Every day, First Nations entrepreneurs make their mark in the communities they call home. They are some of the most resourceful peoples looking to efficient yet environmentally conscious ways of doing business, all the while bringing others along with them, employing and sharing opportunities to see the value of a dollar spent with an Indigenous Business return on investment markedly.

Indigenous Business Month Co-founders are excited to bring Indigenous Businesses to the forefront of community celebration this October and encourage everyone to get behind this community-led initiative.

This year, collectively, let’s mark out those stories, those business models, those ideas that set our way of doing business apart and celebrate it! There are a range of resources available on our website to show your support and of course through socials #IndigBizMonth #IndigenousBusinessMonth

Now in its 10th year, Indigenous Business Month’s journey and momentum has mirrored the Indigenous Business sector’s growth.

“First Australians are using business as a vehicle for economic self-determination, bringing employment opportunities and wealth creation to their community and
allowing them to stay on-Country”, said Dr Michelle Evans, Director of Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership.

Co-founder and Director of 33 Creative, Mayrah Sonter agrees, “I think what’s most incredible to observe over the last ten years is the Indigenous business to business partnerships that have been formed, and our collaboration amongst one another to meet the needs of our communities.”

“Building a business is not a sprint but a marathon. I think it’s a great time to celebrate the businesses and business owners that have been in business for a decade or more”, says Ms Leesa Watego, Co-founder and Director of Iscariot Media.

Co-founders are excited to share that Indigenous Business Month Awards are this year are being proudly supported by co-platinum sponsors; Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership and CommBank.

CommBank is a proud supporter of Indigenous Business Month and is committed to supporting a thriving Indigenous business sector.

The award application period has been extended to 4 October 2024, visit the website to apply this week! It’s not too late to nominate or apply.

The Award categories are:

  • I2I Award – Indigenous businesses buying from and/or supplying to fellow Indigenous businesses build an interconnected and strong Indigenous business sector by supporting each other.
  • Indigenous Digital Inventiveness Award – Indigenous business connecting through digital enterprise and supporting cultural creativity, business nous and technology.
  • Indigenous Ingenuity Award – Indigenous business using business models to confront challenging community issues.
  • Regional Indigenous Business Award – Indigenous business contributing to regional economies in impactful ways.

Information is available via the website www.indigenousbusinessmonth.com.au

Join us in celebrating Indigenous Business Month and ways of Making Our Mark this October.